Losar Tashi Delek (Happy Tibetan New Year) and welcome to Year of the Earth Rat. Tibet House celebrated in its inimitable style with a wonderful evening directed by Philip Glass. (Happy Valentine’s Day, Philip!) The concert kicked off with a spirited introduction by Robert Thurman, followed by an invocation from the Drepung Gomang monks in front of a backdrop of the Potala Palace, the residence of the Dalai Lama in Lhasa, Tibet.

Many of the artists were new to me this year, but my two highlights were sweet surprises from artists I already loved. First, Sufjan Stevens sent chills up my spine with his reworking of the “Star Spangled Banner.” Here’s an audio version from Lee’s Place in Toronto, 2004, and a video recorded at the Sasquatch Music Festival at the Gorge 5/27/06. Check out his lyrics (and compare to the original).

The second was provided by the indefatigable Ray Davies, who performed the most luscious version of his song, “Days.” I was familiar with Elvis Costello’s cover from the “Until the End of the World” soundtrack, but while Elvis really packs in the loss, Ray conveys all of the love. Just splendid. Here’s a video from BBC Electric Proms (2007?) and with The Kinks in ‘69. Apparently Wim Wenders has been using this song in his films since 1970.

It was wonderful to see Nawang Khechog back, recovered from a near-fatal car accident he experienced almost one year ago. Most of his songs are so peaceful, heart-opening and mind-quieting. Highlight was the lively “Last Stand of the Wild Yak,” which utilized an amazing array of Tibetan horns, including one with a dragon head at the end.

Happy introductions: Phamie Gow, a Barcelona based Scot reinventing the harp. I couldn’t help but think of Joanna Newsom as my reference points for rockin’ harps are few, but Phamie has her own distinctive style, spirit and punk. Loved “Dancing Hands,” and her duet with Canadian fiddler Ashley MacIsaac.

Last but not least, I enjoyed the mini-vacation to Rio I took during Marisa Monte’s set, the southern charm of Band of Horses, and Tom Verlaine’s interpretation of reincarnation as “going to Wal-mart when he dies”. Wherever I go, I’ll thank you for the days… and the music.

Afternoon Update:

Here’s a video of “Days” from the 3-part directors cut of “Until the End of the World” (which was never released in the U.S.). Solveig Donmartin (as Claire Torneur) is leading a singalong in the Australian outback, accompanied by most of the cast (and a didgeridoo). The movie, one of my favorites ever, seems unusually pertinent today as it begins with a voiceover about a satellite out of control, and the “end of the world” comes (or not) when the satellite gets shot down, causing all electrical systems to fail (EMP effect).